Question 1

How much deposit do I need for my first home?

Accepted Answer

Most lenders require a minimum 5% deposit. If you have less than 20%, you'll normally pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) — but the federal First Home Guarantee lets eligible buyers avoid LMI with just 5% down.

Question 2

Do I have to pay for a finance broker?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. The service is free to you — the lender pays the broker's commission when your loan settles.

Question 3

What's the difference between a broker and going straight to a bank?

Accepted Answer

A bank can only offer their own products. A broker compares loans from dozens of lenders — including the big four, non-banks, and specialist lenders — to find the best fit for your situation.

Question 4

How long does home loan approval take?

Accepted Answer

Pre-approval typically takes 1–3 business days. Full approval after you've found a property usually takes 3–7 business days, depending on the lender.

Question 5

What grants are available for first home buyers in NSW?

Accepted Answer

NSW first home buyers can access the $10,000 First Home Owner Grant (new builds), full stamp duty exemption on properties up to $800,000, and the federal First Home Guarantee (5% deposit, no LMI). These can often be combined for savings of over $50,000.

Question 6

Can I get a home loan if I'm self-employed?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Self-employed borrowers have more options than most people realise. Some lenders accept just one year of financials, and there are low-doc options available.

Question 7

What areas does Anna Williams service?

Accepted Answer

Anna is based in the Sutherland Shire and helps clients across Cronulla, Miranda, Caringbah, Engadine, Menai, Kirrawee, Gymea, and all surrounding suburbs, as well as greater Sydney, St George, and the Illawarra.

Question 8

Can you help with investment property loans?

Accepted Answer

Yes — investment lending is a core service. Anna can help assess your usable equity, structure loans for maximum tax efficiency, and find lenders with competitive investment rates.

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First Home Buyer Grants and Schemes in NSW: What You Need to Know in 2026

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First Home Buyer's Guide to the Sutherland Shire